Receptacle for Receiving a Package and Preventing Theft of the Package

ABSTRACT

A receptacle for safely receiving and holding delivery packages. The receptacle includes an inlet that is in communication with an interior space. The inlet provides for insertion of the package in a first direction into the interior space. The inlet is further configured to prevent the package from being moved in an opposing second direction and removed from the interior space.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/210,263, filed Jun. 14, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Many items that have previously been purchased by consumers at stores are now ordered over the Internet. These items are packaged by the seller, shipped to the buyer, and delivered to their homes, apartments, etc. These packages are often left at a convenient location for the purchaser, such as a front porch, common area, sidewalk, etc.

Unfortunately, unscrupulous persons know these delivery methods and steal the packages after they have been delivered. Therefore, there is a need for a receptacle where the packages can be delivered and can safely remain until retrieved by the buyer.

Some existing receptacles do not safely hold the package. These receptacles can be opened or otherwise manipulated such that the package can be removed by an unscrupulous person. Although they appear to be effective, in reality these types of receptacles do not safely hold the packages and do not deter theft.

Some existing receptacles include complex mechanical components that prevent a person from reaching into the receptacle to steal the package. However, these receptacles also make it difficult for a delivery person to safely insert the package. These devices can include components with sharp or pointed edges that can easily snare an arm or hand of a delivery person. Instead of using the receptacles to store the packages, the delivery persons often do not use the receptacles but rather leave the packages outside the receptacle to prevent injury.

Thus, there is a need for a receptacle that safely holds a package to prevent theft but does not injure the delivery person that is inserting the package.

SUMMARY

One aspect is directed to a receptacle configured to receive a package. The receptacle comprises a housing having an interior space and with an opening that leads into the interior space. An expandable inlet is mounted to the housing at the opening with the inlet comprising a plurality of flaps each pivotally mounted to the housing and movable between a closed position and an open position. The flaps are positioned in a non-overlapping arrangement and configured to pivot independently from the other flaps between the open and closed positions.

In another aspect, each of the flaps has an outer end connected to the housing and an inner end positioned at a central section of the opening.

In another aspect, a gap is formed between the inner ends of the flaps when the flaps are in the open position.

In another aspect, the gap is positioned along a central axis of the housing.

In another aspect, each of the flaps comprises a triangular shape.

In another aspect, biasing members are connected to the flaps to bias the flaps towards the closed position.

In another aspect, a secondary opening extends through the housing and into the interior space with the secondary opening positioned away from the opening.

One aspect is directed to a receptacle configured to receive a package. The receptacle comprises a hollow housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, lateral walls, and a rear wall and with an opening at a front that extends into an interior space. A plurality of flaps are mounted to the housing and positioned at the opening with the flaps pivotally mounted to the housing and movable between a closed position and an open position. Biasing members bias the flaps towards the closed position. The flaps are configured to pivot independently from the other flaps between the open and closed positions.

In another aspect, the flaps being separated by gaps.

In another aspect, the flaps have inner ends that face into a central section of the opening with the inner ends being spaced apart in the open position.

In another aspect, a door is mounted to the housing with the door being movable between an open position away from the opening and a closed position that extends across the opening.

In another aspect, a rod is mounted to the door and positioned to extend into the opening when the door is in the closed position.

In another aspect, the rod is spaced away from the flaps when the door is in the closed position.

In another aspect, the rod has a length to extend beyond the flaps and into the interior space when the door is in the closed position.

One aspect is directed to a receptacle configured to receive a package. The receptacle comprises a plurality of walls that extend around and form an interior space and with the walls forming an open side that leads into the interior space. A plurality of flaps form an inlet extending into the interior space with each of the flaps movable between a closed position and an open position. The flaps comprise an outer end connected to one of the walls, and an inner end positioned at a central section of the inlet. Biasing members bias the flaps towards the closed position. The flaps are positioned in a non-overlapping arrangement and configured to pivot independently from the other flaps between the open and closed positions.

In another aspect, a secondary inlet is formed in the one of the walls and is in communication with the interior space.

In another aspect, a door extends across the second inlet.

In another aspect, the flaps are spaced apart with gaps formed between adjacent ones of the flaps.

In another aspect, the flaps are spaced apart in the closed position.

One aspect is directed to a method of inserting a packing into a receptacle. The method comprises: aligning the package with an inlet in the receptacle with the inlet formed from a plurality of flaps that are biased towards a closed position and that extend across an opening in a housing; inserting the package a first amount into the inlet and contacting the package against a first set of the flaps and pivoting the first set of flaps a first amount inwards towards and interior space of the housing; inserting the package a farther second amount into the inlet with the package contacting against the flaps of the first set and pivoting the flaps of the first set inward a greater second amount; inserting the package into the interior space of the housing and beyond the flaps and pivoting the flaps of the first set back to the closed position; and inserting the package through the inlet without contacting a second set of flaps and maintaining the flaps of the second set in the closed position during the insertion of the package.

In another aspect, the method includes contacting the flaps of the first set against the package and maintaining the package partially inserted through the inlet.

One aspect is directed to a method of inserting a packing into a receptacle. The method comprises: aligning the package with an inlet in the receptacle with the inlet formed from a plurality of flaps that are biased towards a closed position and that extend across an opening in a housing; inserting the package a first amount into the inlet and contacting the package against the flaps and pivoting the flaps a first amount inwards towards and interior space of the housing; maintaining the package partially inserted into the inlet; while the package is partially inserted into the opening, closing a door of the receptacle and contacting the door against the package; closing the door across the inlet and forcing the package with the door through the inlet and beyond the flaps; and pivoting the flaps of the first set back to the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a receptacle.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the receptacle of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a schematic section view of the receptacle cut along line III-Ill of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a front view of a flap.

FIG. 5 is a schematic section view of flaps aligned in a closed position.

FIG. 6 is a partial schematic view of a flap that is biased towards a closed position.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a package partially inserted into an inlet of a receptacle.

FIG. 7B is a front view of the receptacle of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a front view of a door partially closed and a package partially inserted through the inlet.

FIG. 8B is a section view cut along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 is a section view of a door of a receptacle in a closed position and a package fully inserted into an interior space.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a receptacle mounted to a post.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a receptacle mounted in a wall of a building.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a receptacle with a portable mount.

FIG. 13 is a side view of an insertion rod in an extended orientation.

FIG. 13A is a section view of the insertion rod of FIG. 13 cut along line XIII-XIII.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of flaps aligned in pairs to extend across the inlet.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the ends of the flaps.

The various aspects of the various embodiments may be used alone or in any combination, as is desired.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is directed to a receptacle for safely receiving and holding delivery packages. The receptacle includes an inlet that is in communication with an interior space. The inlet provides for insertion of the package in a first direction into the interior space. The inlet is further configured to prevent the package from being moved in an opposing second direction and removed from the interior space.

One example of a receptacle 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 . The receptacle 10 includes a housing 39 that includes walls 30 that extend around and form an interior space 31 sized to hold one or more packages 150. In this example, the housing 39 includes a top wall, bottom wall, lateral side walls, and a back wall. The walls 30 extend around and form the interior space 31. In one example as illustrated, the walls 30 are each planar members that are connected together at corners to enclose the interior space 31 and prevent the ingress of water and debris which could damage the packages. The walls 30 and the interior space 31 can include various shapes and sizes.

An opening 29 is positioned on one of the sides of the housing 39 and leads into the interior space 31. In this example, the opening 29 is positioned along a front side of the housing 39, with other examples having the opening 29 along different sides. The opening 29 can form an entire side of the receptacle 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1 or can be positioned along a limited section of one of the sides.

Flaps 21 are mounted to one or more of the walls 30 at the opening 29. The flaps 21 are pivotally mounted to the one or more of the walls 30. An inlet 20 is formed at the ends of the flaps 21 and leads into the interior space 31. The flaps 21 are pivotable between a closed position to prevent a package 150 from being removed from the interior space 31, and an open position in which the inlet 20 has a larger second size to allow a package 150 to be inserted through the opening 29 and into the interior space 31. In one example, the flaps 21 extend completely across the opening 29 in the closed position. In one example as illustrated in FIG. 2 , the inlet 20 is a slot that is smaller than the package 150 to prevent removal.

The number, shapes, and sizes of flaps 21 can vary. Further, the different flaps 21 can include the same or different shape and/or size. FIG. 4 illustrates a flap 21 that includes an inner end 22, outer end 23, and lateral edges 24. The inner ends 22 are positioned at a central section of the opening 29 when the flaps 21 are in the closed position. The inlet 20 is formed between the inner ends 22 of the flaps 21. In one example, the inner ends 22 are positioned at a central axis C of the housing 39. In another example, the inner ends 22 are positioned away from the central axis C. The flaps 21 can be constructed from a variety of different materials, including but not limited to metals and plastics. In one example, the bristles deform upon the application of the exterior force. In another example, the bristles maintain their shape when moving between the open and closed positions.

The outer ends 23 are positioned at the walls 30 of the housing 39. In one example as illustrated in FIG. 5 , the flaps 21 are mounted on hinges 60 that provide for the movement between the open and closed positions. Biasing members 50 bias the flaps 21 towards the closed position. In one example, each flap 21 includes a separate biasing member 50. In another example, a biasing member 50 applies a force to two or more flaps 21.

In another example, the flaps 21 comprise bristles that are attached to the walls 30 of the housing and extend inward towards a center of the housing. The bristles are thin hair-like members that include various shapes including straight or curved. The bristles have enough rigidity to maintain their shape prior to the application of an exterior force such as through an inserted package or a user's hand. In one example, the bristles deform upon the application of the exterior force. In another example, the bristles maintain their shape.

FIG. 5 includes an example in which a coil spring 50 wraps around the hinge 60 to bias the flap 21. FIG. 6 includes a biasing member 50 positioned behind the flap 21 and extending between the flap 21 and one of the walls 21. In another example, a biasing member 50 is positioned in front of the flap 21 and is connected to one of the walls 30 to pull the flap 21 towards the closed position.

In one example, the biasing member 50 is a single sheet of spring metal folded into an overlapping configuration, such as an L shape, that contacts against each flap 21. The spring metal accommodates the compression and rebound of the flap 21. In one example, the spring metal contacts against and provides a biasing force to two or more of the flaps 21.

The extent of pivoting movement between the open and closed positions is controlled in a variety of different manners. In one example, the hinge 60 is configured to allow the flap 21 to rotate a limited amount to control the extent of movement. In another example as illustrate in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the walls 30 provide contact points that limit the extent of movement. In these examples, a wall 30 (e.g., bottom wall) is positioned to limit movement in a first direction towards the open position. A lip 32 extends outward from the wall 30 on a second side of the flap 21 to control the movement in the opposing second direction towards the closed position.

In one example, each of the flaps 21 is configured to have the same amount of pivoting movement. In another example, the flaps 21 are configured to have different amounts of pivoting movement.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 , the flaps 21 in the closed position are oriented at an angle α relative to an adjacent wall 30. The angle α can range between an angle of 45°-90°. In one example as illustrated in FIG. 5 , the flaps 21 are aligned perpendicular to the adjacent walls 30 (i.e., angle α is 90). In another example, the flaps 21 are aligned at an angle of less than 90°. This orientation forms a funnel that leads into the inlet 20 to provide a visual indication to a delivery person of how to insert a package into the receptacle 10.

In one example, each of the flaps 21 is aligned at the same angle α in the closed position. In another example, two or more of the flaps 21 are aligned at different angles α in the closed position.

The flaps 21 can be positioned at different locations along the walls 30. In one example as illustrated in FIG. 5 , the inner edges 23 are positioned at ends of the walls 30. In another example, the flaps 21 are recessed inward from the ends. This recessed position provides for the walls 30 to protect the flaps 21 and the inlet 20. This positioning can prevent or reduce water from running along the flaps 21 and into the interior space 31.

The flaps 21 are independently movable when acted on during insertion of a package 150. This provides for movement of the flap 21 between the closed and open positions having no effect on the movement on any of the other flaps 21. In one example as illustrated in FIG. 2 , each of the flaps 21 is spaced apart with a gap formed between the adjacent flaps 21 (i.e., the lateral edges 24 and inner ends 22 are spaced apart from other flaps 21). This spacing provides for each flap 21 to move independently between the open and closed positions. Movement of the flap between the open and closed positions does not cause contact with the adjacent flaps 21.

One advantage of the independent movement of the flaps 21 is the difficulty in trying to open the flaps 21 to steal a package 150 from the interior space 31. Each of the flaps 21 would need to be forced inward to access the package 150 through the inlet 21. This makes theft more difficult than prior receptacles in which the flaps 21 are connected together such that a force against one of the flaps 21 causes one or more of the other flaps 21 to open.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example with the flaps 21 completely extending across the inlet 20. The flaps 21 extend inward from opposing sides of the inlet 20 and include paired flaps from the opposing side. Each pair includes a longer flap 21 and a shorter flap 21 as illustrated in FIG. 14A. The shorter flap 21 contacts against the front side of the longer flap 21 thus providing to completely close the inlet 20. The pairs of flaps 21 alternate in lengths. This configuration includes each of the flap pairs being independently pivotable between the open and closed positions.

A door 40 is mounted to the housing 39 at the inlet 20. The door 40 is movable between an open position that is spaced away from the inlet 20, and a closed position that extends across the inlet 20. In one example, the door 40 is connected to one of the walls 30 at a hinge 41. The hinge 41 provides for pivoting movement between the open and closed positions.

An insertion rod 45 extends outward from the inner side of the door 40. The insertion rod 45 is positioned to align with and extend into the inlet 20 when the door 40 is in the closed position. The insertion rod 45 functions to contact against a package 150 that is positioned in the inlet 20. The contact with the movement of the door 40 to the closed position causes the insertion rod 45 to move the package 150 through the inlet 20 and beyond the flaps 21 and into the interior space 31. This prevents a delivery person from having to fully insert the package 150 through the inlet 20 and potentially contacting their arms/hands against the inner edges 22 of the flaps 21.

The insertion rod 45 may be configured to extend and retract in length. One example is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 13A with the insertion rod 45 is constructed from a first section 47 and a second section 48 that telescope together. A spring 44 and radially-mounted ball-bearing 49 provide for the insertion rod 45 to axially expand and collapse. The spring 44 biases the second section 48 outward away from the first section 47 to an extended configuration as illustrated when no forces act on the insertion rod 45. The ball bearing 49 provides for the axial movement of the first section 47 relative to the second section 48. When a force above a predetermined amount is applied to the insertion rod 45, the force overcomes the spring 44 and causes the second section 48 to retract into (or over) the first section 47. In one example, this occurs when the door 40 is being closed by a delivery person and the end 46 contacts against a package 150. This axially-compressible configuration prevents the insertion rod 45 from interfering with the packages 150 in the interior space 31.

In one example, the insertion rod 45 has a sectional size that is smaller than the inlet 20 when the flaps 21 are in the closed position. This sizing provides for the insertion rod 45 to fit through the inlet 20 and not contact against the flaps 21 when the door 40 is closed and the flaps 21 are in the closed position.

FIGS. 7A-9 illustrate a package 150 being inserted into the receptacle 10. Prior to insertion, the inlet 20 is closed with the flaps 21 in the closed position. This occurs with the door 40 being either open or closed.

For a delivery person to insert the package 150, the door 40 is opened and the package 150 is pushed against the flaps 21. In one example, the package 150 is centered at the inlet 20 and then pressed against the flaps 21. In one example, the flaps 21 are angled inward into the interior space 31 in the closed position. This angled positioning forms a funnel that causes the package 150 to become centered during insertion.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the insertion causes the package 150 to contact against the flaps 21. This contact and the force of insertion causes the flaps 21 to pivot away from the closed position towards the open position. Because of the independence of the flaps 21, just the flaps 21 that are contacted by the package 150 will move away from the closed position towards the open position. Flaps 21 that are not contacted will not move and will remain in the closed position.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the package 150 partially inserted through the inlet 20. In this example, the delivery person partially inserts the package 150 into the inlet 20. The force of the flaps 21 contacting against the package 150 causes the package 150 to be held in the inlet 20 in this position. The delivery person can release the package 150 while held by the flaps 21 and then close the door 40. The movement of closing the door 40 about the hinge 41 causes the end 46 of the insertion rod 45 to contact against the package 150. This contact occurs while the package 150 is being held in the inlet 20 by the flaps 21. In one example as illustrated, the end 46 has a rounded shape to contact against the package 150 and prevent damage to the package 150. The continued movement of the door 40 in the direction of arrow B causes the insertion rod 45 to remain in contact with and move the package 150 through the inlet 20 and past the flaps 21 and into the interior space 31.

As illustrated in FIG. 9 , the force applied by the door 40 causes the package 150 to move beyond the flaps 21 and into the interior space 31. The package 150 can fall into the lower reaches of the interior space 31 and move away from the inlet 20 to allow for the insertion of additional packages 150. The insertion rod 45 extends through the inlet 20 with the end 46 positioned in the interior space 31 and beyond the flaps 21. In one example, the flaps 21 return to the closed position as the insertion rod 45 extends through the inlet 20 formed between the inner ends 22 of the flaps 21.

A secondary opening 72 is formed in the housing 39 to remove the packages 150 from the interior space 31. The secondary opening 72 can extend through one or more of the walls 30 that form the housing 39. In one example as illustrated in FIG. 9 , the secondary opening 72 is positioned on an opposing side of the housing 39 from the inlet 20. A door 73 can extend across the secondary opening 72 and be locked to prevent theft of the packages 150.

The receptacle 10 can be mounted in various manners to provide for delivery of packages 150. FIG. 10 includes the receptacle 10 mounted on a post 80, for use in a similar manner as a mailbox. FIG. 11 illustrates the receptacle 10 mounted in a wall of a building. FIG. 12 illustrates the receptacle 10 attached to a post 80 with a mount 89 that provides for insertion into the ground. This configuration provides for the receptacle 10 to be moved to various locations as needed.

Spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as “first”, “second”, and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.

As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”, “comprising” and the like are second ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A receptacle configured to receive a package, the receptacle comprising: a housing that extends around and forms an interior space and with an opening that leads into the interior space; a plurality of flaps mounted to the housing and forming an inlet into the interior space, the flaps pivotally mounted to the housing and movable between a closed position and an open position; and the flaps are positioned in a non-overlapping arrangement and configured to pivot independently from the other flaps between the open and closed positions.
 2. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein each of the flaps comprises an outer end connected to the housing and an inner end positioned at the inlet with the inlet positioned at a central section of the opening.
 3. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein each of the flaps comprises a triangular shape with a larger base positioned at the housing and a narrower inner end comprising a pointed tip positioned at the inlet.
 4. The receptacle of claim 1, further comprising biasing members that apply a force to the flaps to bias the flaps towards the closed position.
 5. The receptacle of claim 1, further comprising a secondary opening extends through the housing and into the interior space with the secondary opening positioned away from the opening.
 6. A receptacle configured to receive a package, the receptacle comprising: a hollow housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, lateral walls, and a rear wall and with an opening at a front that extends into an interior space; a plurality of flaps mounted to the housing and positioned at the opening with the flaps pivotally mounted to the housing and movable between a closed position and an open position, and with an inlet formed at the inner ends of the flaps with the inlet in communication with the interior space; biasing members that bias the flaps towards the closed position; and the flaps are configured to pivot independently from the other flaps between the open and closed positions.
 7. The receptacle of claim 6, wherein the flaps are separated by gaps.
 8. The receptacle of claim 6, wherein the inner ends of the flaps comprise a pointed tip that face towards the inlet, and with the inner ends have a smaller width than outer ends that are positioned at the housing.
 9. The receptacle of claim 6, further comprising a door mounted to the housing with the door being movable between an open position away from the opening and a closed position that extends across the opening, and with the door overlapping the flaps in the closed position.
 10. The receptacle of claim 9, further comprising a rod mounted to the door and positioned to extend into the inlet when the door is in the closed position.
 11. The receptacle of claim 10, wherein the rod is positioned in the opening and is spaced away from the flaps with the door in the closed position.
 12. The receptacle of claim 11, wherein the rod has a length to extend beyond the flaps and into the interior space when the door is in the closed position.
 13. The receptacle of claim 6, wherein the flaps are mounted to the housing with the outer ends of the flaps positioned axially inward from an edge of the housing.
 14. The receptacle of claim 6, wherein the flaps are positioned in a non-overlapping arrangement and configured to pivot independently from the other flaps between the open and closed positions.
 15. A method of inserting a package into a receptacle, the method comprising: aligning the package with an inlet in the receptacle with the inlet formed from a plurality of flaps that are biased towards a closed position and that extend across an opening in a housing; inserting the package a first amount into the inlet and contacting the package against the flaps and pivoting the flaps a first amount inwards towards and interior space of the housing; maintaining the package partially inserted into the inlet; while the package is partially inserted into the opening, closing a door of the receptacle and contacting the door against the package; closing the door across the inlet and forcing the package with the door through the inlet and beyond the flaps; and pivoting the flaps of the first set back to the closed position.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein contacting the door against the package comprises contacting a rod that extends outward from an inner side of the door against the package.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising positioning the rod in the inlet after the packaged has moved through the flaps and the flaps have returned to the closed position. 